Essential Vaccinations Every Dog Needs: A Complete Guide for Pet Parents

Dog vaccinations are a critical part of keeping your furry friend healthy and safe. A well-planned dog vaccination schedule protects pets from serious diseases like distemper, parvovirus, rabies, and hepatitis.

Whether you’re a new puppy parent or looking to update your adult dog’s shots, this guide explains the puppy vaccine schedule, the adult dog vaccination timeline, and why consistent canine immunizations matter.

Why Vaccines Are So Important

• Protect your dog from life-threatening illnesses.

• Required for boarding, training, and pet sitting (including Colorado Springs pet sitting and overnight pet sitting services).

• Keep your dog safe during social interactions at parks, daycares, or when staying with private pet sitters.

For families in Denver or Colorado Springs, staying current with your dog’s vaccination program is essential before using services like dog sitter Denver or overnight dog sitting services.

---

Puppy Vaccine Schedule (Puppy Shots Timeline)

The first inoculations for puppies start early and follow a strict series called the puppy vaccination program.

Puppy Age	Vaccine	Notes
6–8 Weeks	DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)	First shot in puppy series of shots
10–12 Weeks	DHPP booster + Bordetella (kennel cough)	Optional but recommended for social puppies
12 Weeks & Older	Leptospirosis	Depending on exposure risk
14–16 Weeks	DHPP booster + Rabies	Rabies is legally required
12–16 Months	Booster for DHPP + Rabies	Strengthens immunity

This series is sometimes called the puppy needle schedule, puppy shot schedule, or 5-in-1 vaccine for puppies schedule.

---

Adult Dog Vaccination Schedule

Once your puppy completes their initial shots, they’ll need regular boosters to stay protected.

Vaccine	Frequency	Notes
Rabies Vaccine	Every 1–3 years	Required by law
DHPP (DHLPP)	Every 1–3 years	Core vaccine for all dogs
Bordetella	Annually (every 6 months for social dogs)	Required for daycare/boarding
Leptospirosis	Annually	Based on lifestyle/environment
Lyme Disease	Annually	Recommended in tick-prone areas
Canine Influenza	Annually	For dogs in social/boarding environments

---

What Vaccines Do Dogs Need Annually?

Most dogs require annual boosters to remain safe:

• Rabies

• DHPP booster

• Bordetella (kennel cough)

• Lifestyle-dependent vaccines like Leptospirosis, Lyme, and Influenza

This is the core annual dog vaccine schedule most veterinarians follow.

---

FAQs About Dog Vaccinations

1. When should puppies get shots?
   At 6–8 weeks old, then every 2–4 weeks until 16 weeks of age.

2. How many puppy shots does a puppy need?
   Typically 3–4 rounds before 16 weeks, plus a booster at 12–16 months.

3. What shots do dogs need yearly?
   Rabies, DHPP booster, and optional vaccines based on lifestyle.

4. How often do dogs get vaccinated?
   Core vaccines every 1–3 years; lifestyle vaccines annually.

5. What vaccines do puppies need first?
   DHPP at 6–8 weeks, followed by boosters and rabies at 14–16 weeks.

---

Final Thoughts

A proper dog vaccination schedule is the best way to keep your pet healthy and safe. From puppy shots to annual dog injections, staying on track prevents illness and ensures stress-free boarding, training, and pet sitting experiences.

For Colorado families, keeping your pets' vaccinations up to date is more important than ever—especially when booking in-home pet sitting in Colorado Springs or arranging overnight care. Whether you work with private sitters or trusted professional services, staying current on vaccines ensures a safer, healthier experience for both pets and caregivers.

👉 Learn more about our services and how we prioritize your pet’s health at Pure In Home Pet Sitting.